New Year 2026 in UAE: Where to watch fireworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and RAK
Families can enjoy midnight displays across the emirates
DUBAI – As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prepares to welcome 2026, the nation’s skyline is set for another night of breathtaking fireworks.
With displays planned across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, residents and visitors will have a wide array of vantage points to watch the celebrations unfold.
From record-breaking showcases to family-friendly waterfront spots, each emirate is gearing up to deliver its own spectacular countdown moment.
NYE fireworks in Dubai
Dubai’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are among the most watched globally, and this year is expected to draw massive crowds to the city’s most famous attractions. The Burj Khalifa remains the centrepiece of celebrations, with thousands gathering in Downtown Dubai to watch the tower come alive at midnight. Those wanting premium viewing zones can opt for ticketed areas around Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar, where the city’s signature pyrotechnic show takes full form.
Over at Palm Jumeirah, a large-scale display will illuminate the coastline, with Atlantis, The Palm once again hosting one of Dubai’s biggest celebrations. Beachfront viewing points across the Palm offer free access for spectators looking to watch the fireworks without attending private events.
Atlantis The Palm is also staging its own countdown extravaganza, accompanied by a star-studded live performance and a rooftop firework display. The surrounding beaches and boardwalks provide some of the most accessible public spots to view the show.
At Expo City Dubai, Al Wasl Plaza transforms into a family-oriented celebration with music, a confetti countdown and a full projection sequence on the venue’s dome ahead of the fireworks.
For those seeking a more leisurely setting, Souk Madinat Jumeirah offers clear views of the Burj Al Arab fireworks, along with a festive winter market running through the evening.
Other popular Dubai viewing spots include Bluewaters Island, Umm Suqeim Park, Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk, The Beach JBR, Club Vista Mare, Dubai Water Canal, Dubai Mall, Al Seef, Souk Al Bahar, Burj Al Arab, and multiple public beaches such as Black Palace Beach, Palm West Beach, Kite Beach and J1 Beach.
NYE fireworks in Abu Dhabi
In the capital, crowds will gather at the Abu Dhabi Corniche, where a large-scale firework display is scheduled at midnight. The waterfront stretch remains one of the city’s most popular locations for New Year activities.
Al Maryah Island is another major destination, hosting a vibrant celebration with an elevated view of the fireworks reflected across the water. The island typically attracts families, dining crowds and revellers from early evening onwards.
Visitors at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental can enjoy the fireworks from one of the city’s most luxurious settings, with views extending over the surrounding shoreline.
In Al Ain, Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium offers a lively atmosphere suitable for families, with entertainment and fireworks planned for the night.
At the Liwa Festival, attendees can watch midnight fireworks from several vantage points surrounding Tal Moreeb dune. The display traditionally draws festival-goers deep into the Western Region for a desert countdown experience.
One of the emirate’s biggest attractions is the Sheikh Zayed Festival, which this year is presenting a 62-minute fireworks show, the world’s largest drone display and a programme aiming to set five new Guinness World Records. The celebrations take place in five stages from 8 PM up to midnight.
Families heading to Yas Bay can choose between two firework shows: one at 9 PM and another at midnight.
NYE fireworks in Sharjah
Sharjah will host fireworks at several waterfronts, beginning with a 10-minute display at Al Heera Beach. At Al Majaz Waterfront, spectators can enjoy a five-minute show against the cityscape. Another 10-minute display is scheduled at Khor Fakkan Beach, offering coastal views along the eastern shore.
NYE fireworks in Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah continues its tradition of record-attempt fireworks, with Al Marjan Island preparing its signature New Year spectacle. The emirate often incorporates drones, synchronised pyrotechnics and large-scale choreography, drawing visitors from across the UAE.